Press Statement: Progressive Report of the EAC Referendum Observer Mission In Southern Sudan

1.  The East African Community (EAC) Referendum Observer Mission which arrived in Juba on 7th January, 2011 comprising of 15 Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) drawn from all the 5 Partner States of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda wishes to give a progressive report regarding the referendum covering the first four days of voting (9-12 January, 2011).

2. The EAC Observer Mission has witnessed large number of voters, ranging from 67% to 88% of registered voters in the polling centres/stations visited. These figures are based on reports from EAC teams deployed in four states of Central Equatorial (which includes the capital – Juba), Western Equatorial, Eastern Equatorial, and Jonglei.

3. Members of the EAC Observer Mission have observed the emotions expressed by the people of Southern Sudan as they cast their votes. These emotions range from tearful outbursts, ululations, kissing of the ballot papers and the ground, as well as chants of joy. People have been standing patiently in the hot glaring sun for long hours to cast their votes.

4. At the polling centres/stations visited the EAC Observers noted that:
(a) There were adequate voting materials, and electoral staff;
(b) Efforts were made to extend assistance to special groups, including mothers with children, pregnant mothers, the disabled, the elderly and the illiterate;
(c) Referendum Observers received cooperation from all the stakeholders that included the staff of Referendum Commission, security, political parties and the voters;
(d) Referendum officials exhibited knowledge regarding rules of procedures on opening, closing and counting; and
(e) Opening and closing procedures were conducted in an open and transparent manner and were witnessed by all stakeholders.

5. So far, no incidences have been witnessed that have the effect of undermining the credibility of the referendum process and the legitimacy of the outcome.

6. The referendum process has been widely and extensively covered by local, regional and international media.

7. The Mission notes with appreciation the environment of calmness, peace and tranquility under which the referendum process is being conducted.

8. The Mission is still on the ground in various states and will keep making regular updates on further progress.

Hon. Abdul Karim Harelimana,
Head of the EAC Observer Mission
Signed on this 13th day of January, 2011